2009 - 2011 A Kiss from the Last Grey Squirrel is solo performance about attempts to hold on to what you love.

Inspired by Elyssa Livergant's experience of securing indefinite leave to remain in the UK, this performance shifts from hand me down memories and Yiddish texts to true facts from the European Squirrel Initiative on grey squirrel reform.

While having a taste of her Grandmother’s infamous strawberry preserve, this candid performance playfully examines the idea of the indigenous and the immigrant and asks who, and what, is endangered in our pursuit of a national, cultural and personal identity.

The performance was made in collaboration with Xristina Penna, Cis Oboyle and Beccy Smith. Music by OSO and Sound Consultation from Nik Paravatos.

A short trailer of the show from its performance at the Shunt Lounge is here.

Elyssa was invited to perform the show at a festival in Minsk hosted by The Free Theatre of Belarus and her visit was documented by Al Jazeera’s Witness Program which can be seen here.